Your Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health - Cardiology

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Understanding your echocardiogram results is crucial for maintaining heart health, especially after experiencing symptoms like elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate. Based on the values you've provided, let's break down the key components of your echocardiogram and what they indicate about your heart health.


Key Findings from Your Echocardiogram
1. Mitral Valve (MV) Measurements:
- E Velocity (0.85 m/s): This measures the speed of blood flow across the mitral valve during diastole (when the heart fills with blood). Normal values typically range from 0.6 to 1.0 m/s, so your value is within the normal range.

- A Velocity (0.90 m/s): This measures the speed of blood flow during atrial contraction. Your value is also within the normal range.

- E/A Ratio (0.95): This ratio compares the E and A velocities. A normal ratio is typically greater than 1, indicating normal diastolic function. Your value suggests that there may be some degree of diastolic dysfunction, which can be common in individuals with hypertension.

2. Deceleration Time (MV DecT: 181.64 ms): This reflects how quickly the blood flow slows after the peak E wave. Normal values are usually between 140-240 ms, so your value is normal.

3. Mitral Valve Area (MVA by PHT: 4.18 cm²): This indicates the size of the mitral valve opening. A normal mitral valve area is greater than 2.0 cm², so your result suggests no significant mitral stenosis.

4. Left Atrial (LA) Measurements:
- LA Diameter (35.07 mm): This is slightly enlarged, as normal values are typically less than 34 mm. An enlarged left atrium can be a sign of increased pressure in the heart and may indicate diastolic dysfunction.

5. Left Ventricular (LV) Measurements:
- LV Ejection Fraction (EF: 74.09%): This is a measure of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. Normal values are between 55% and 70%, so your EF is slightly elevated, which is generally a good sign of systolic function.

- LV Mass Index (87.14 g/cm²): This is a measure of the mass of the left ventricle relative to body surface area. Normal values are typically less than 95 g/cm² for men and 85 g/cm² for women. Your value is within normal limits, indicating no significant hypertrophy.

6. Relative Wall Thickness (0.424): This value is used to assess the geometry of the left ventricle. A value greater than 0.42 can indicate concentric hypertrophy, which is often associated with hypertension. Your value is on the borderline, suggesting that monitoring is warranted.


Recommendations for Heart Health
Given your history of mild hypertension (120-150 mmHg) and elevated resting heart rate (90-110 bpm), it is commendable that you have made lifestyle changes, such as losing 15 kg, which can significantly improve heart health. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regular Monitoring: Continue to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Keeping your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg is ideal for cardiovascular health.

2. Diet and Exercise: Maintain a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular aerobic exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve heart function.

3. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since you have some indicators of diastolic dysfunction, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation or adjustments to your treatment plan.

4. Medication Management: If you are on antihypertensive medications, discuss with your doctor whether any adjustments are needed, especially since your blood pressure and heart rate are improving.

5. Stay Informed: Understanding your echocardiogram results empowers you to take charge of your heart health. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for clarification on any terms or values you don't understand.

In conclusion, while there are some areas of concern, particularly regarding diastolic function and left atrial size, your overall heart function appears to be good. Continue your healthy lifestyle changes, and maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure your heart health remains on track.